John Green/McClatchyThe Giants poured it on in the second inning on Saturday night.

SAN FRANCISCO – News and notes from the Mets 8-4 loss on Saturday to the San Francisco Giants here at AT&T Park:

GIANTS OVERWHELM TAKAHASHI

In the hours before Hisanori Takahashi surrendered six runs in 2 2/3 innings on Saturday, manager Jerry Manuel said he and his staff never considered if Takahashi’s spot in the rotation was in danger. In the minutes after Takahashi’s meltdown, the club stood behind him.

This was the third time in Takahashi’s last four starts that he allowed a half dozen runs. It was the third time in four starts that he allowed two homers. And it was the third time in four starts where he looked more like a reliever than a starter for a playoff contender.

“I’m sure, at some point, we’ll have some conversation about that,” Manuel said.

Takahashi’s issues have not changed. Too often, his pitches drift up when they should sink. Hitters tee off on him.

Takashi seemed puzzled by the lack of command he exhibited on the mound on Saturday. He is aware of his struggles. But he declined to dwell on his status in the rotation.

“I don’t want to think about it,” Takahashi said through his interpreter.

For now, it appears he is safe. Takahashi is expected to make his next start this weekend in Los Angeles, a Mets official indicated. There is no plan in place for the return of Oliver Perez, who completed his fourth rehabilitation start before Takahashi was yanked from the game here. Perez allowed three runs in 6 2/3 innings. He gave up two homers as well. He looms as another option – one most unpalatable for some Mets fans.

THE OFFENSE RESURFACES

Yes, the Mets have now lost its first series of the second half. Yes, the team is still waiting for Jose Reyes to return and rejuvenate the offense. Yet Manuel refused to blame the offensive malaise on his shortstop’s absence.

“I do think and believe that in order for us to really stay in this thing, other pieces really have to step up,” Manuel said before the game. “I believe Jose can ignite us and do his thing. But there’s going to be days when Jose is 0-for-3 or hits a little bump in the road. That’s just normal. What has to happen is those other pieces have to be firing very well for us to do what we do.”

For the time being, Saturday’s loss provided a pair of positive signs: Carlos Beltran showed a hint of power, mashing a triple. And Ike Davis, who lagged to the first-half finish line, boomed a pair of home runs.

NOTES FROM THE FARM

Two more stat lines from the minor leagues:

*Second baseman Luis Castillo went 1-for-3 for St. Lucie. He doubled, walked and scored two runs. He spent nine innings in the field.

*Reliever Ryota Igarashi tossed a scoreless inning in relief of Perez in Buffalo. He allowed a hit. There were no walks or strikeouts charged to his docket.